Math with Annie Tally
The math students have been busy studying and testing in order to meet their semester goals. It's been pleasing to see that many of the more experienced students have been graciously assisting those in lower level courses with their questions.
Science with Lori Hilliard
Chemistry: The students have successfully completed writing, balancing and identifying five types of chemical equations in this module. I am very proud of their cooperative group work ethic.
Human Biology: The skeletal system has been the focus of this module for the students in this class. They have all completed two oral examinations on the skeleton and I am pleased with their hard work and determination.
Biology: The completion of the genetics unit has brought our semester to an interesting close. Bioethics and genomics have produced many thoughtful debates and discussions.
Environmental Science: This class has been looking at the impact of environmental disasters on human health. We have examined the roles of organizations such as FEMA, CDC, WHO as well as local agencies in response to disaster.
Physical Science with Daniel Hill
In Physical Science we have finished up our discussion of speed and velocity (and the important difference between the two) and reviewed all the general techniques and skills that we covered during the semester. Next semester we will begin by looking at acceleration, which will lead us to an examination of force and mass and all manner of other basic mechanical topics.
English with Jill Sugg
English 7 and English 8/9 read the classic novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles.This is a timeless book and kids still love Finny.
Advanced 8/9 finished Cormac McCarthy's The Road and most of them said it was one of the best books they had ever read. They joined AP Composition and English 10,11,12 in reading selected nonfiction humor by Dave Barry and local favorite David Sedaris. Laughter is good for everybody.
English 10,11,12 also did a mini-unit on Ray Bradbury's short fiction.
AP Composition's syllabus has been approved by The College Board. We had mini-writing conferences at Barnes and Noble, as students continue to prepare for the May exam. Most recently they wrote Cause and Effect essays and they will soon be giving "How-to" speeches as we delve into writing about process.
History with Matt Wilhelm
Civics: Students have been examining the civil liberties Americans are provided by the Bill of Rights, and the judicial processes used to protect these rights.
World History: Students learned about the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and the Enlightenment. We also compared and contrasted the American and French revolutions.
US History: We have examined the rise of America as a global power during late 19th century, the development of big business in the United States, and the reforms of the Progressive Era.
AP Government: Students completed their unit on institutions of American government, and examined civil liberties issues relating to the detention of terrorism suspects.
Current Events: Students learned about the tensions between the United States and Iran and evaluated American perceptions of Iranian culture. Additionally, students examined the role of race in American society.
Spanish with Celia Battle
Celia taught classes up until the Winter Break. Due to a family emergency she was not able to provide a write up of the class activities.
Art with Heather Cramer
7th Grade is working on a special project for Camelot. Each student is creating an illuminated letter to form the word "RESPECT" to go in the Big Hall. These are almost completed and the frames are waiting. Look up when you enter the hall!
Upper School students have been learning to draw the human figure ... taking turns modeling. We have learned how to find the proportions and basic shapes of the figure, and then fill it out with details and features. Our final project is now well underway. Each student posed for a photo which they are using for reference for a self portrait drawing/painting ... placing themselves in an imaginary scene and story. We used light tables to get basic position and shapes from the photos, and they are adding to and changing these to fit their story. Quite amazing to see what is developing! Watch for the exhibit!
Physical Education with Krista Moll
Upper School students began Module 5 with a handball unit, learning the history, rules, and strategy of the game. Midway through the unit, however, we began our semester fitness testing and finished just before winter break. The test results show that most students have improved their fitness since the beginning of the year. I am very excited to see this progress and I hope it continues throughout the rest of the year!
Also, if you could remind your child/children to wear tennis shoes/sneakers the days they have PE, it would help tremendously. Those without proper footwear increase the risk of injury.
Music Performance with Glenn Mehrbach
Because of preparations for the performance at Northgate Mall, we put aside the long range songs we had been working on and put all of our concentration on holiday music. Between sickness, absences due to family matters, doctors' appointments and other unavoidable problems, the fact that we did as well as we did in our Northgate performance is a testament to the hard work and concentration on the members of both bands. I was very proud of them. After the holidays we resumed work where we had left off, and more new songs are on their way.
"A for Awesome" CLASS
Out of all the holiday song arrangements, I felt especially good about "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," which Sarah brought to our attention, and I arranged for the whole band. It was a very different style for us, with lots of dynamic changes and unusual rhythmic elements, but everyone took to it extremely well. I tried to give everyone a chance to shine in our performance. Lennon did his best "Chuck Berry" imitation on "Run Rudolph Run," Sarah ran up and down the keys on "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," Edwin and Rita traded lines on "Baby, It's Cold Outside," Josh and Sarah clogged to "Sleigh Ride." David and Aaron played well throughout, and everyone got another chance to improvise on "Moondance." Currently, we just completed a 'first draft' of "Carry On My Wayward Son," and ventured back into the jazz idiom with Peggy Lee's "Fever."
"B for Best" CLASS
This class had a lot of fun putting together their holiday songs, and I think it showed in the performances. Brian has become quite adept at the keyboard bass, and really drove the rhythm on "Feliz Navidad" and "White Christmas." Amy and Kriea worked out their harmonies in a very short amount of time, and really brought a lot of life to "Jingle Bell Rock" and "White Christmas." Alec learned the classic intro to "Jingle Bell Rock," and kept a solid rhythm on the other songs as well. Elaine gets better and better at laying down a steady rhythm for the band, all the while adding interesting dynamics and fills. Although Grace wasn't able to play in the performance, she really brought a lot of vitality to her vocal parts in rehearsal. As with the "A" band, we just completed a full run-through of "Rock Lobster," and will begin work on the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" on Friday. I am trying to get the students to feel more comfortable with improvisation, but for most of them it's a bit like pulling teeth! Once they get over their self-consciousness, as the vocalists did in the spoken parts of "Rock Lobster," then the ideas and melodies really begin to flow. Thanks to those who gave it a try. I hope to have everyone more involved by the end of the year.
Dramatic Arts with Roni PetersonM
I am very excited about the continued progress of our Upper School actors and actresses! In all classes, improvisational exercises were met with enthusiasm, creative thought, and much improved acting abilities. Scene study was covered, and a play in the 8th grade is being worked on.
Guidance Update with Thelma Glynn
January 1st and 15th were major due dates for college applications! The seniors put in some long hours and as a result they turned in some very strong work. Now the waiting begins. Our college trip to Guilford and Elon has been postponed due to the weather. We'll reschedule soon.
